New Jersey Cancer Misdiagnosis Lawyers

Cancer Misdiagnosis

Misdiagnosis of cancer is, unfortunately, somewhat common. In fact, it is estimated that 1 in 5 cancer diagnoses are false, resulting in serious health implications for patients. In our society today, there are few medical phrases more frightening then, "You have cancer," and, while modern cancer treatment has advanced to a point where such a diagnosis no longer means there has to be a grave outcome, it certainly does suggest that there may be a rough road to recovery ahead.

The current methods of treating cancer also make a false diagnosis all the more dangerous. With invasive treatment like surgery, along with radiation therapy and chemotherapy, an incorrect diagnosis can result in life threatening and disfiguring treatments to an individual who simply does not need them. Some common illnesses that can be mistaken for cancer are:

• Anorexia Nervosa
• Benign Cysts
• Chronic Fatigue Syndrome
• Colitis
• Diabetic Diarrhea
• Diabetic Gastro paresis
• Exfoliative dermatitis
• Graves Disease
• Leukoplakia
• Oral leukoplakia

On the other hand, when doctors misdiagnose an illness as benign, and, it does turn out to be cancer, the result can be even more devastating. One of the most important factors in recovering from cancer and leading a full life after remission involves early detection of the disease. The earlier the cancer cells can be identified and treated, the less harm they can do. When doctor’s spend valuable time and effort treating symptoms thought to be from some other illness, when they could have diagnosed and treated the cancer, the end result can be unfortunate to the patient.

Many misdiagnosis of cancer, be they false positives or the incorrect analysis of an illness, can be the result of physician error, such as the failure to appreciate and understand a patient’s symptoms, the failure to follow the advise of a consulting physician, the misreading of an x-ray or other imaging study, laboratory error, the misinterpretation of a pathology slide, or, the misinterpretation and/or failure to follow up on accurate testing results. Regardless of the reason for the misdiagnosis, an individual who has suffered as a result of the wrong diagnosis can seek restitution for their suffering under the law.

Blume Goldfaden NJ cancer misdiagnosis attorneys work with experts in various medical fields to determine if cancers were timely tested for and diagnosed; and if not, to determine if delays in diagnosis caused a significant change in our clients’ treatment options, prognosis and survivability. Blume Goldfaden lawyers have successfully handled cases including those surrounding a failure to timely diagnose and treat various cancers including but not limited to: breast, colon, lung, testicles, cervix, uterus, endometrial, ovarian, skin, chest wall, esophagus, pancreas, soft tissues, kidney, brain and thyroid.